The Prettiest Woman

“Nice, it’s so beautiful here in Texas. Is it weird that I didn’t know that you all had palm trees?”

She laughed, “That’s not the first time I’ve heard that. It’s such a beautiful place to live. I like how it’s fast paced, but the people are friendlier.”

We laughed and talked the entire time and it was easy to get caught up in a conversation with her. We finally returned back to the men and they stared at us in adoration as we approached.

“You’ve got to bring her out with us one evening.” Doug said, “Actually let’s do brunch tomorrow.”

“That would be wonderful.” Sandra chimed in.

Vincent looked at me to see if I was interested and I returned the same approving nod that he gave me earlier.

“Consider us there. Just let me know where to meet you.”

“Great. I’ll have my assistant email you over the information before the evening’s over. I’m sure it will be in the area.”

“Sounds like a plan, we’ll see you in the morning.”

“Talk to you later, sweetie.” Sandra said before she gave me a light kiss on the cheek. I was taken aback by how nice she was.

We said our goodbyes and walked towards the center of the room. “Wow, Sandra likes you.”

I gave him a weird look because I wasn’t sure how he meant it. He laughed, “Not like that. I mean she likes you as a friend and that’s rare. She doesn’t like a lot of people. She hated my ex.”

“Who knows, in time she may hate me, too.”

“I doubt it. She’s consistent.”

“Cool, because she’s really nice.”

“You make it easy to be nice to you. You’ve had everyone under your spell all evening.”

“What?”

“I mean it. Think about it. Has anyone been mean or rude to you this evening?”

“That Hispanic woman that we saw earlier didn’t seem too fond of me.”

“She’s just jealous that I’m here with you and not her. She’ll get over it.”

“I knew there was something between you two.”

“There’s nothing between us and that’s why she’s so upset. She’s dated quite a few of the men in this room and I don’t like sloppy seconds, thirds or fourths. I can do without a woman that doesn’t mind being passed around.”

“Well that is a little skanky.”

He cupped my chin and gave me a peck on the lips, “We’ll be here for about one more hour and then we’re out of here okay? I have two more people that I need to speak to.”

“Okay.”

*

Vincent was a master at working the room. His interpersonal skills were impeccable and he always knew the right time to bring business up. He told me that he learned that skill from his father. I thought it was a great skill to have. I took mental notes as I watched.

We were on our way back to the car within an hour, just like he promised. I was relieved because I didn’t want to be there for much longer than that. On the surface everything seemed carefree but real deals were being struck in that room. I was the kind of person that preferred to crunch numbers for a living. Give me a great office, a computer, and a calculator any day.

“I hope that wasn’t too painful for you.” Vincent said.

“I enjoyed myself.”